Musical Diversity Works Wonders

Fans of original rock, power pop and Americana will want to check out a strong crop of recent releases now available.

Artist: Dorothy

Title: 28 Days In The Valley (Roc Nation)

You might like if you enjoy: Jefferson Airplane, Pvris, Florence + the Machine

Tell me more: Greta Van Fleet isn't the only young act taping into classic rock as part of a glorious search for something new. Los Angeles-based outfit Dorothy has found sonic paydirt in the art of '60s and '70s classic rock as evidenced across the new 28 Days In The Valley. Led by singer-songwriter Dorothy Martin (whose voice draws strong and favorable comparisons with a young Grace Slick) and her surrounding musical cast of players unleash more than a dozen tracks that resonate with a blend of the artfulness of Surrealistic Pillow-era Jefferson Airplane, style of Oasis and the contemporary approach of the best work from Florence + the Machine and Pvris. The wealth and range of material rewards at every turn. The soaring "Who Do You Love" is a driving rocker that has a decidedly Hollywood vibe; the spiritual-tinged sing-along "Mountain" and psychedelia-laced anthem "Freedom" find Martin unleashing her inner blues singer with wonderful results. The swirling rocker "White Butterfly," the haunting Spaghetti-Western flavored "28 Days In The Valley (Interlude)" and a cover of Linda Perry's "Black Tar & Nicotine" are among the other standouts on this terrific album. Information: DorothyTheBand.com.

Artist: Stone Temple Pilots

Title: Stone Temple Pilots (Rhino)

You might like if you enjoy: Altered State, STP

Tell me more: Stone Temple Pilots are back. Just listen to the San Diego-spawned quartet's new self-titled album, a collection of strong and inviting songs that mark the first batch of tracks with new singer Jeff Gutt (original vocalist Scott Weiland passed away in December 2015 and subsequent vocalist Chester Bennington died in July 2017). Sure there are songs that rock ("Middle of Nowhere," "Guilty," "Roll Me Under," "Meadow"), but STP (whose line-up also includes brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo, and drummer Eric Kretz) has found life anew via a great collection of creative and winning songs that are among the band's best ever. Just listen to the gorgeous "Thought She'd Be Mine," the shimmering "Finest Hour" and wistful "Reds & Blues." The aptly-titled Stone Temple Pilots is a wonderful and masterful return. A much-recommended deluxe edition of the album (available at Best Buy stores) features two exceptional bonus tracks (the rip roaring "Already Gone" and the lush melodic track "Forget Forever"). Information: StoneTemplePilots.com.

Artist: Jim White
Title: Waffles, Triangles & Jesus (People in a Place to Know Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Dr. Dog, Otis Taylor
Tell me more: To be sure, Jim White's latest album Waffles, Triangles & Jesus defies easy categorization even while the art damage-drenched Americana splashed across the 11-track album makes for an exhilarating listen. The myriad of musical instruments and equally-diverse range of subject matter begins to outline the unique approach of White; the infusion of wit, humor and the artist's Southern-mining style further carve out the territory explored here. The immersive "Drift Away" finds White's voice tapping into a far-away character able to escape his existence diving into a river with dreams of moving with those natural waters to the sea; the redolent sound of a banjo anchors White's narrative before gradually being overrun by a Celtic jam. The mischievous old-styled country romp "Playing Guitars" features White sharing vocals with indie songstress Holly Golightly. The buoyant indie rocker "Silver Threads" is enhanced by the contributions of Dead Rock West (Los Angeles' Cindy Wasserman and Frank Drennen); the unsettling "Prisoner's Dilemma" blends jazz stylings, trumpets, spoken word and probing storytelling to reveal its dark tale. "Waffles, Triangles & Jesus" is a work of considerable ambition, with White's own contributions (guitar, vocals, banjo, piano and more) enhanced by a parade of talented guests including the duo Cicada Rhythm, guitarist Ali Farka Toure, fiddler Jason Cade, multi-instrumentalist Rob McMaken, trumpeter Josh Klein and many more. Information: JimWhite.net.

Artists: Ray Paul, P. Hux, the Smithereens, the Rubinoos, Popdudes, others

Title: Dana & Carl present: This is Rock 'n' Roll Radio - Volume 4 (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Power pop music, Badfinger, Matthew Sweet

Tell me more: Lovers of tuneful, melodic and well-crafted rock will absolutely love the latest volume of Dana & Carl present: This is Rock 'n' Roll Radio. Volume 4 includes more than two dozen tracks that capture the enduring spirit of power pop with nuggets shining across the disc. Master singer-songwriter Ray Paul's new offering "I Need Your Love" is an early high mark on the disc, but plenty more follow. Circe Link and Christian Nesmith join forces on the couple's shining baroque pop original "I'm On Your Side"; P. Hux reveals a lush and majestic "Better Than Good" sure to appeal to fans of classic melodic rock; Irene Peña sings the tender "Must've Been Good"; the excellent liner notes on the collection note speak for yours truly with the note that "Michael Oliver blew us away with a new song ('You Won't Do') that should be playing on every radio station in the country right now". Other top-flight contributions includes the Rubinoos' glimmering "Nowheresville," The Smithereens' rollicking "Got Me A Girl," and Popdudes' beautiful cover of Torbjorn Petersson’s "(She Is Funny) In That Way." Information: koolkatmusik.com.


Artist: The Furious Seasons
Title: Now Residing Abroad (Stonegarden Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Chris Hillman, Bruce Cockburn, America
Tell me more: Songcraft still matters. Just listen to the Furious Seasons' excellent sixth album Now Residing Abroad, the second full-length set featuring the specific lineup of singer-songwriter/guitarist David Steinhart, his brother Jeff Steinhart on upright bass and Paul Nelson on guitar and harmony vocals. The trio paints vivid and luxurious Americana tapestries that enhance lyrical tales covering everything from life in Los Angeles and the pain of divorce to subliminal political jabs ("The Loyal Canadians") and love songs ("So Sorry Adele"). Several of the most impressive cuts take an authentic look at life's fast-moving years; the opener "Expo Line" and "Tethered" are both poignant and deeply affecting. Information: TheFuriousSeasons.com.

Robert Kinsler

Classic and contemporary artists celebrate intersection of blues and other styles

Blues music never goes out of style, and several wonderful new releases celebrate the genre's lasting influence and intersection with soul, funk and rock 'n' roll. Elsewhere, singer-songwriter Ali McManus inspires on her debut with personal songcraft. Additionally, Moby returns with his best full-length studio album since the early '00s. 

Artist: Jimi Hendrix
Title: Both Sides Of The Sky (Sony Legacy)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clark Jr.
Tell me more: The new Both Sides Of The Sky sheds additional light on the myriad of talents of singer-songwriter-guitarist Jimi Hendrix, whose legacy continues to grow more than 47 years after his untimely death at the age of 27. Comprised of tracks recorded after the release of 1968's Electric Ladyland, things kick off with an exhilarating reworking of the Muddy Waters blues number "Mannish Boy" recorded during the first-ever studio session with the Band Of Gypsies (bassist Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles). Both Sides Of The Sky is the third volume in a trilogy of albums (that began in 2010 with Valleys of Neptune" and continued with 2013's People, Hell and Angels) featuring the best and most important previously-unissued studio recordings remaining in the Hendrix archives. To be sure, the new set is sure to please both casual and hardcore fans of Hendrix. "Lover Man" features Hendrix delivering some tasty and rapid-fire guitar playing; listen closely and it isn't just the speed of the guitar playing but how much Hendrix's soul is on display as well. His original blues-tinged psychedelic rocker "Hear My Train A-Comin'," the beautiful instrumental "Sweet Angel," jazzy "Jungle" and genre-bending "Power Of Soul" all boast a similar firepower and emotive touch that impresses mightily. One of the most interesting cuts on the disc is a version of Joni Mitchell's then-new song "Woodstock," featuring Stephen Stills on lead vocals and Hendrix on bass guitar; just as lively is "Things I Used To Do" featuring Johnny Winter on slide guitar. "Both Sides Of The Sky" is an essential release that will ultimately prove to be one of the most significant titles of 2018. Both Sides Of The Sky will be released on audio CD, digital and as a numbered 180-gram audiophile vinyl 2LP on Friday, March 9. Information: www.JimiHendrix.com.

Artist: Janiva Magness
Title: "Love is an Army" (Blue Elan Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, Beth Hart, Grace Potter
Tell me more: Bringing her powerful soprano into a Southern soul-steeped soundscape, singer-songwriter Janiva Magness' 14th album Love is an Army is a star-studded effort. Joined on select tracks by several well-known guests, the overall Memphis-drenched Americana-soul is further enhanced by New Orleans blues and Nashville-mining country elements. The bluesy "Hammer" features Mississippi harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite; the uptempo "On And On" is buoyed by Rusty Young's pedal steel work. The gospel-styled title track, wistful "Down Below" and piano-anchored ballad "What I Could Do" (the latter a duet with Delbert McClinton) are among the timely thought-provoking songs that address themes of love, hope and justice free of cliche. Even with all the notables who appear on the album, there is little doubt that it is Magness' own formidable talents as singer and songwriter that bind and elevate this terrific album. Information: JanivaMagness.com.

Artist: Delta Deep
Title: East Coast Live (Frontiers Music Srl)
You might like if you enjoy: Black Country Communion, Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa
Tell me more: Def Leppard fans have long recognized Phil Collen as one of his generation's most talented electric guitar players, but the artist's heavy-hitting blues project Delta Deep allows for an even greater appreciation of his skills. On the newly-released East Coast Live, Delta Deep (whose line-up includes Collen, Stone Temple Pilot's Robert DeLeo on bass guitar, frontwoman Debbi Blackwell-Cook and drummer Forrest Robinson) unleash a decidedly strong approach in a mix that is rooted in the blues but will appeal to fans of classic rock too. Opening with a fiery take on Led Zeppelin's 1971 classic "Black Dog," other highlights include "Miss Me," Motown-tinged "Treat Her Like Candy," the rock 'n' soul foray "Private Number" and a heavy reworking of the 1940s blues cut "Black Coffee." The highlight on the album is the blues ballad "Whiskey," with Blackwell-Cook's emotive vocals drawing comparisons with the legendary Betty LaVette. Information: www.DeltaDeep.net.

Artist: Moby
Title: Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt (Mute)
You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Air, Enigma
Tell me more: For fans of Moby's groundbreaking 1999 album Play and 2002's equally-enthralling 18, the artist's newly-released Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt is a welcome return to a focus on emotion-charged material blending electronica, trip-hop and soul. The songs here explode with hypnotic layers of musical textures and inviting vocals; the lyrical themes are meaningful, spanning introspective explorations of the modern world to spirituality and seemingly everything in between. "Like a Motherless Child" features Moby's spoken word confessional in the verses, artfully balanced by a gospel vocalist's elegiac singing in the choruses. "This Wild Darkness" is equally gorgeous and melancholic, with a gospel chorus adding a spiritual element. Everywhere Moby's approach invites the listener to delve beyond the intoxicating moodscape to listen and connect on a more weighty level. "The Middle Is Gone" begins with Moby's declaration of doubt and unfulfilled dreams; the song builds slowly with a symphonic touch before everything closes on a single low note. The sparse "Falling Rain and Light" recalls some of GoGo Penguin's recent work, albeit with swirling airy voices that embellish the lush arrangement. Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt is an impressive and meaningful return. The album is available via a gatefold-housed double LP edition, and 6-panel CD digipack edition. Moby will donate 100 percent of the profits from his new album to animal rights organizations. Information: www.moby.com.

Artist: Ali McManus
Title: Unbreakable (Desert Dreams Books & Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Jewel, Carol Martini, Brooke Ramel
Tell me more: Ali McManus' debut album Unbreakable is truly a triumph. The talented 21-year-old singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist is also an inspirational speaker and for good reason. Confined to a wheelchair since the age of 7 (because of a rare bone disorder) and giving powerful voice to her original songs despite having only 30 percent of normal lung capacity, the Detroit native's songs are straightforward and affecting. The title track on her Unbreakable EP is infectious, but the sense of melancholy gives the lyrics added depth: "I am what I am / And I love where I stand / Yeah, I can't stand for long / But I'm goin' strong / I'm Unbreakable." Produced by the legendary Jack Douglas (who served as engineer on John Lennon's "Imagine" and many of Aerosmith's best-known albums in the 1970s), "Unbreakable" also features the uptempo "Wings," contemplative "Heart Shattered," winning "Breaking Free" and lovely "Home." Information: www.alimcmanus.com.


Robert Kinsler